Milan team news: Pulisic out against Lazio, Nkunku to start & Saelemaekers returns | OneFootball

Christian Pulisic has been ruled out of the match between Milan and Lazio after suffering a thigh issue in midweek.

The American, who scored the winner in Sunday’s derby, has not been included in the squad for tomorrow night’s game as Milan avoid taking risks with his fitness, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

In training on Friday, Nkunku was the main candidate to replace him, working alongside Rafael Leão as Allegri tested solutions for his front line.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 23: Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa Round of 16 match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

The coach held his final session at Milanello this morning, and Loftus-Cheek is expected to start on the bench, with the same attacking pair used away to Parma set to begin again here.

Allegri seeks continuity at Milan as Pulisic only enforced change

Across the pitch, Allegri is preparing to keep 10 of the 11 starters from last weekend’s derby, with Pulisic’s injury the only enforced change.

The club prefer a cautious approach given the nature of the muscle problem, opting not to risk a setback.

Nkunku will therefore get another opportunity to impress and chase his first Serie A goal, having found the net only in the Coppa Italia so far.

PARMA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 08: Christopher Nkunku runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Abdoulaye Ndiaye of Parma during the Serie A match at Stadio Ennio Tardini on November 08, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Loftus-Cheek is likely to cover multiple roles during the match, including offering rotation for Saelemaekers on the right if needed.

Saelemaekers himself is fit, having shaken off a back issue that surfaced on Wednesday, and will start.

Pulisic is out alongside Gimenez and Athekame.